HMS Grimsby recently joined a fleet of NATO warships to take part in Exercise Noble Justification in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean.
The Faslane-based minehunter is taking part in the exercise which encompasses anti-submarine and electronic warfare components as well as the full range of surface and air combatants including B52 Stratofortress bombers.
The aim of Noble Justification is to prepare and test NATO countries for a rapid response to an emerging issue.
Alongside Grimsby will be 23 warships: ten frigates, two amphibious ships, five auxiliary ships and five minehunters along with a number of submarines, small units and marines.
Ultimately the exercise is being played out to validate the Spanish Maritime Forces as the 2015 NATO Maritime Response Force, as well as strengthening interoperability and partnership between NATO allies.
HMS Grimsby’s Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Will King, said:
Exercise Noble Justification is a fantastic opportunity for myself and my ship’s company to work alongside our allied NATO nations, develop force integration and increase our readiness.
Although we are constantly training with our partner nations, this is the first time that many of my sailors have taken part in such a large scale exercise of this nature – it is a very worthwhile opportunity for us.
NATO Allied Maritime Command, based at Northwood, is responsible for directing the exercise, ensuring that the NATO Response Force faces a realistic and demanding scenario, with a number of challenges.
NATO’s Maritime Commander, Vice Admiral Peter Hudson RN, added:
Exercise Noble Justification exercises a high density, high threat scenario in which NATO responds to a threat to its integrity and the sovereignty of its member states.
Noble Justification runs until October 26.
[mappress mapid=”14138″]
Press release, Image: UK Navy